W212 vs W213 buying advice

[cheapshots]

Hi all,
Looking for some words of advice please

I've had my W212 (petrol, 4-cylinder M274 engine, 2013, 100k mileage, face lift) for 7 years now, I've looked after it well and more than happy with it. I've had a few issues with it, I wouldn't say major at all -
1) fuel injectors 2) nox sensor 3) corroded fuel line 4) thermostat replacement 5) from LED headlight controller replacement.

A close family member is selling their W213 (e220d, 2021, face lift,10k mileage) for a good price and I'm considering buying it because (1) it's a very good price and (2) I'm worried my beloved W212 will start to show signs of wear and tear and give me grief as it ages.

I took the W213 on a test drive weekend. Apart from the obvious improvement in aesthetics, I was really unimpressed with the interior finishing - things like the annoying touch sensitive buttons, the visibility when driving, the touchpad etc etc etc. The diesel engine was surprisingly nippy though.

I do 8-10k mileage a year with 80-90% of my driving is in town, which I know kills a diesel DPF.

Would a 30 min motorway run every 3 - 4 weeks be enough to regen the DPF and avoid related issues?
Also, can anybody recommend a VIN decoder. Have tried many of the ones suggested on this and other forums but non of them are liking the VIN (obtained from windscreen and double checked)

Many thanks!

 

[WilliamMaldivess211]

Have you tired last vin?

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Also as well as the dpf you may encounter adblue issues - there are enough posts on this forum regarding the issues of it with Mercedes.

As someone who lives on an island with a max speed of 40 - most people I know who have cars with dpfs end up having trouble with them - so I would recommend a petrol one. Unfortunately it is illegal to remove dpfs and adblue systems.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Hi all,
Looking for some words of advice please

I've had my W212 (petrol, 4-cylinder M274 engine, 2013, 100k mileage, face lift) for 7 years now, I've looked after it well and more than happy with it. I've had a few issues with it, I wouldn't say major at all -
1) fuel injectors 2) nox sensor 3) corroded fuel line 4) thermostat replacement 5) from LED headlight controller replacement.

A close family member is selling their W213 (e220d, 2021, face lift,10k mileage) for a good price and I'm considering buying it because (1) it's a very good price and (2) I'm worried my beloved W212 will start to show signs of wear and tear and give me grief as it ages.

I took the W213 on a test drive weekend. Apart from the obvious improvement in aesthetics, I was really unimpressed with the interior finishing - things like the annoying touch sensitive buttons, the visibility when driving, the touchpad etc etc etc. The diesel engine was surprisingly nippy though.

I do 8-10k mileage a year with 80-90% of my driving is in town, which I know kills a diesel DPF.

Would a 30 min motorway run every 3 - 4 weeks be enough to regen the DPF and avoid related issues?
Also, can anybody recommend a VIN decoder. Have tried many of the ones suggested on this and other forums but non of them are liking the VIN (obtained from windscreen and double checked)

Many thanks!

Excellent summary of why I haven’t bought a W/S213. Although I’d add a feeling of greater, unnecessary bulk.

Others, more experienced, will comment on the dpf in town annd and blue issues

 

[Mr Filipov]

I think you’ve answered your own question. You’re not convinced it’s the car for you, you don’t do the mileage to warrant a diesel, and you’re worried about dpf issues. The only factor attracting you is the price, but I wouldn’t buy a car solely on that if it’s not the car for me.

 

[jdrrco]

I recently changed my X218 CLS (based on the W212) and bought a C257 CLS (based on the W213) and, although I am perfectly happy with the new car and wouldn't have any other new car out there, if I could swap back tomorrow without a huge financial hit, I would.

Just to echo the comment above, there is no point buying a car just because it is a good price. It will still cost you more to buy than keeping your current one. If you are happy with yours, keep that money to spend on it when necessary. Although (and because) it is worth less, it will depreciate less, so savings there too.

Just my opinion.

 

[TrueSpirit]

The current issues with your 212 seem easily solvable and the 212 is built like a buffalo. The rear subframe will possibly rot too at some stage but that can be solved. Not sure how robust the engine is but unless you're bored of it and looking for a change, that 212 might be road worthy for many years yet !